Romans 2 Judgment Day

Home , Judgment Day (2005), Judgment Day (2009)

by Dr. Jerry Vines

By the Book™ A Chapter by Chapter Bible Study Series from Jerry Vines Ministries I. Judgment Day is a Day of 2295 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 116 #249 Confrontation (vv. 1-3) Woodstock, GA 30189 Paul immediately squares off with the Romans eye to eye, confronting them with Divine judgment, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (v. Let’s Begin 1). The first three chapters of Romans reveal Paul’s Two particular lessons are noteworthy in this section. purpose in demonstrating that all people are sinners First, note the principles of judgment explained. Recall Paul’s before God. In one broad stroke, the apostle shows the earlier scathing indictment of pagans apart from God (1:29-32). Undoubtedly, his Jewish readers were cheering desperate need of sinful humanity for the Savior. After frantically as Paul poured it on thickly over the Gentiles. laying down the black velvet of human sin, the Gospel Their sin obviously solicited the righteous vengeance of sparkles as a new cut diamond. God Almighty. Nevertheless, not only were pagans guilty before a holy In many ways, these verses constitute a court room God, but so Reflection Connection scene, where charges are brought against humanity. were Jews. This How often do you think of the brings us to the The easiness which we feel as we snuggle in our own judgment of God? Do you think first principle: personal goodness is exposed to the cold blade of the too much focus is placed upon God’s judgment judgment bar of God. Three times in the beginning of God’s judgment? Why or why is impartial. this chapter Paul speaks of the judgment of God (vv. 2, not? 3, 5). However, the judgment theme is a thread woven The Jews were i n d i g n a n t throughout the fiber of Scripture (Ps. 96:13; Acts 17:31; toward other people’s sins. They were the ones who judged Rev. 20:11-12). others. They criticized; they condemned. Indeed judging others appears to be a pattern of human behavior. Jesus As we study through chapter 2, let’s utilize the simple cautioned his disciples concerning the spirit of judgment outline below: (Matt. 7:1). To criticize others is to put “self ” in the place of God. It is the act of claiming moral superiority. In I. Judgment Day is a Day of Confrontation essence, one is saying, “move over, God.” Some people get (vv. 1-3) so caught up in criticizing others for their sins, that they II. Judgment Day is a Day of Confirmation are blind to their own. In reality, when one condemns (vv. 4-5) others, one condemns one’s self. Why? The apostle Paul III. Judgment Day is a Day of Condemnation answers, “thou doest the same things.” God’s judgment (vv. 6-16) will be absolutely impartial. IV. Judgment Day is a Day of Consternation God’s judgment is also inevitable (v. 2). Paul writes “But (vv. 17-29) we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things” (v. 2). It is “according to truth” God’s judgment will take place. At the judgment, all false views will be swept away.

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Third, God’s judgment is inescapable (v. 3). Who can flee from the face of God? Only someone living in the most vivid deceit could conclude God’s judgment could be avoided. No one can sin and get by with it (Gal. 6:7). This truth remains sure: God’s judgment is inescapable.

II. Judgment Day is a Day of Confirmation (vv. 4-5) Judgment day is not only a day of confrontation, it is also a day of confirmation. God’s judgment is fully confirmed as righteous judgment. Paul describes God’s judgment as “the righteous judgment of God” (v. 5). Hence, even if people refuse to acknowledge God’s judgment as righteous judgment, it remains righteous nevertheless. God’s judgment remains righteous even if we despise His judgment (v. 4a). Paul writes, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering.” The Greek term translated “despisest thou” literally means, “to look down on,” “to think little of.” People stared down their nose at God’s goodness and patience toward them. Even so, God’s judgment stands. Also, God’s judgment remains righteous even if we decline his judgment (v. 4b). It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance. To spurn God’s goodness is the blackest of all sins. Even if you decline God’s invitation to repent, God’s righteous judgment still stands. When a person refuses to repent and turn to Christ, that person is storing up Reflection Connection wrath which will be poured out on Judgment Day. The apostle writes, “But after Do you think people view thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the repentance as a part of God’s day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (v. 5). “Wrath” goodness? Explain. he says, is being “treasurest up,” a term that means “to heap up,” “store up.” Every day fresh deposits of sin’s judgment are set aside for the coming day of wrath. It is only the blood of Jesus Christ that can protect one from God’s wrath (3:25- 26).

III. Judgment Day is a Day of Condemnation (vv. 6-16) Beginning in verse six, Paul lists three criteria by which all of us will be judged. First, judgment will be based on conduct (vv. 6-10). Paul writes, “[God] will render to every man according to his deeds” (v. 6). On the surface, Paul seems to say eternal life is earned through one’s deeds. Nothing is further from the truth, however. At this juncture, Paul is not concerned with salvation; rather his focus is on judgment. In other words, your deeds make it clear: God is just and righteous in His dealings with you. We must not lose sight of the fact that Paul is dealing with two groups — the saved and the unsaved. He writes concerning the saved, “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life” (v. 7; also, v. 10). Paul does not say the good which we do establishes our salvation. Such a statement is absolutely contradictory to not only Paul’s statements elsewhere (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), but the entire thrust of Romans

(5:1; 6:23; 8:1; 10:13). What Paul is saying is—good deeds are evidence of salvation. Another way of saying this is—if one is saved, one’s conduct will demonstrate it. Paul further writes, “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile” (vv. 8-9). The “contentious” attitude stands in opposition to God and His truth. No time is given for the Lord. This person is still in the swamp of sin. This person is unsaved. Thus, indignation, wrath, and anguish are the just fruits of the wicked life. Second, judgment will be based on conscience (vv. 11-15). The Bible says, “For Reflection Connection there is no respect of persons with God, For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall Do you think most people find be judged by the law” (vv. 11-12). An oft-repeated question one hears has to do it difficult to believe a loving with people who have never heard the Gospel. Paul deals with this issue here. God could send someone to First, he speaks of those who sinned “without hell? Why or why not? law.” Millions of people on the globe today fit this category. They have heard neither of Jesus or His Gospel. Second, he speaks of those who God will sinned “in the law.” These people have heard the Gospel and know the truth but have chosen to judge us by rebel against the truth. Virtually every person living in America who is the light we not a Christian fits into the second category— those who have sinned “in the law.” And, know have. also, the greater the opportunity to hear, the greater the responsibility to obey. In other words, God will judge us by the light we have. Unreached people groups will be judged by creation and conscience. However, a severe, harsh punishment awaits those who have heard the truth but neglected to follow the truth. In any case all will be judged by his or her own conscience (v. 15). Third, judgment will be based on Christ (v. 16). Paul writes, “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Jesus Christ will be our judge. When He came first, people judged Him; the next time He comes, He comes to judge (Acts 17:30-31; John 5:22). As, judge, He knows the “secrets of men.” We may hide now, but no one will hide then. One day, all will be revealed (cp. Luke 8:17; 12:2-23; Matt. 10:26).

IV. Judgment Day is a Day of Consternation (vv. 17-29) The judgment bar of God will be a shocking revelation for all. Human religion will be exposed as the fake that it is. First, religious boasting will be exposed (vv. 17-18). The Bible says, “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law” (vv. 17-18). Without a doubt, there were certain advantages to being a Jew. In a world of dark paganism, it was a Divine blessing to be born into Judaism. They had the law written by

the hand of God Himself. But there is a danger: familiarity breeds contempt. God was taken for granted. They rested presumptuously in the law. Before we charge the Jewish people too severely, do we not also take God for granted? The Bible teaches us how to live. But do we take the Bible seriously? It’s one thing to possess the Bible; it’s another thing entirely to practice the Bible. Second, religious teaching will be exposed (vv. 19-20). The apostle speaks of being, “confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind” (v. 19) and an “a teacher of babes” (v. 20). The Jewish leaders could It’s one thing teach others the will of God for they had it codified in the Law and Prophets. to possess the And, being instructors and teachers is precisely what God had in mind for them (Isa. 43.10). Unfortunately, they Bible; it’s had become proud, superior, and turned into religious snobs. They thought the another thing Gentiles were only worthy of death and judgment. Paul said they taught Gentiles entirely to what righteousness was but did not practice righteousness themselves (v. 21). practice the All pretense would come to a shocking halt on judgment day! Bible. Paul lists the most basic moral expectations for his Jewish readers to consider: Reflection Connection stealing (v. 21), adultery (v. 22a), idolatry (v. 22b), pride (v. 23), and blasphemy If God forgives our sin, why will (v. 24). He then concludes—if the Jews broke these basic laws, even though there still be a day for judg- they were circumcised according to the law, it was as if they had never been ment? Explain. Do you think circumcised at all (v. 25). In other words, their religious heritage counted judgment will include things absolutely zero toward their right relationship with God! good or bad we did before we Many people assume their religious performance will be taken into account at came to Christ? Why or why the judgment bar of God. Yet, Paul makes clear religious ritual, like circumcision, not? cannot connect one to God, “For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?” (vv. 25-26). What is even more significant is, our right standing with God is an inward reality and not an outward ritual. Note carefully the Apostle Paul, “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (vv. 28-29). To be God’s chosen, God’s elect, is to have one’s heart circumcised. This only happens when one places his or her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It cannot happen any other way. In addition, placing one’s faith in Christ is the single way to escape condemnation on God’s day of judgment (5:1).

Golden Greek Nugget Wrap Up Paul speaks of God’s Judgment Day is no joke. It is real; and it is coming for every person. Are “longsuffering” (v. 4). The term you ready to face judgment? We have consistently said the only way one literally means “patience.” Most may miss being condemned for his or her sin on that approaching day is of us have heard of the person through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. Are you willing with a “short-fuse.” By this we to turn from your sin? Are you willing today to place your utter trust in usually mean the person flies into Jesus Christ to save you? Will you surrender your life to Him now? a rage very quickly— sometimes over the most mundane matter. The word Paul used is exactly the opposite. Its idea is one of a long-fuse rather than a short- fuse. God is not quick to lose Every believer is “marked off” His temper with us even when we commit wicked, foul deeds. by clear boundaries when he or she surrenders their heart to Jesus Christ.